When one Cayuga Community College employee saw a glimpse of Paul Rajeckas' one-man play, he knew he had to bring his unique performance to Cayuga County.
Norman Lee, director of student activities at CCC, is partnering with the Auburn Public Theater to present “Notes to the Motherland,” a play about a man's exploration into his family history after World War II in Russia.
Rajeckas and George L. Chieffet crafted the play to weave drama with comedy, a difficult task in a play about sensitive issues. The stage show follows Rajeckas in a quest to discover his mother's role in Nazi atrocities, Lee said.
The play is somewhat biographical. During a question-and-answer period after the play, people can find out just how much is true and where he found his inspiration.
The style of the play is unique, with Rajeckas taking on a variety of characters who react to voice-overs coming through speakers, he said. Rajeckas also will display his talent for physical comedy.
His unusual style drew Angela Daddabbo's interest in the performance. Daddabbo is artistic producing director for Auburn Public Theater.
She saw a video clip of Rajeckas and was amazed at his physical work and voice techniques.
“That's exactly the kind of thing that I'm interested in working with. There's the physicality of it, the music, sound effects, and at the same time, a serious message,” Daddabbo said. “Seemingly, that is the perfect piece of material for us.”
“I don't care if (he's) reciting the alphabet, I'm going,” she added.
Lee and Daddabbo decided to co-present the material in order to reach a wide audience.
They debated which venue to present the show. They decided to use the college's auditorium, which can seat 424 people - much more than the APT's 150-person capacity.
“We decided with the reasonable ticket prices, and the material, we are pulling out the stops and we can sell the seats,” Daddabbo said.
The two organizations joined forces to try to make the community aware of the resources available at CCC and the region's other colleges.
Both Lee and Daddabbo are trying to reach the same audiences in the community, which also encompasses the college community. Daddabbo questioned why there was even a division between the groups.
“I can't tell you how many times I say something about what's happening at the college, and I'm talking to my friends who are interested in this stuff, and they say ‘Oh, I didn't hear about that,” Daddabbo said.
Lee aims to reach those area residents who don't have opportunities to appreciate the arts.
“Notes to the Motherland” is different from the usual choices because it depicts a factual time era and portrays some real experiences to a certain extent. Also, the college hasn't presented a one-man play in recent years, to Lee's knowledge.
“I hope we can get a nice draw from the community to attend it,” he said.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
If you go
What: “Notes to the Motherland”
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1
Where: Bisgrove Community Theater, Cayuga Community College
Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students. Tickets available at the door
For details: Visit www.paulrajeckas.com for a preview.
Rajeckas and George L. Chieffet crafted the play to weave drama with comedy, a difficult task in a play about sensitive issues. The stage show follows Rajeckas in a quest to discover his mother's role in Nazi atrocities, Lee said.
The play is somewhat biographical. During a question-and-answer period after the play, people can find out just how much is true and where he found his inspiration.
The style of the play is unique, with Rajeckas taking on a variety of characters who react to voice-overs coming through speakers, he said. Rajeckas also will display his talent for physical comedy.
His unusual style drew Angela Daddabbo's interest in the performance. Daddabbo is artistic producing director for Auburn Public Theater.
She saw a video clip of Rajeckas and was amazed at his physical work and voice techniques.
“That's exactly the kind of thing that I'm interested in working with. There's the physicality of it, the music, sound effects, and at the same time, a serious message,” Daddabbo said. “Seemingly, that is the perfect piece of material for us.”
“I don't care if (he's) reciting the alphabet, I'm going,” she added.
Lee and Daddabbo decided to co-present the material in order to reach a wide audience.
They debated which venue to present the show. They decided to use the college's auditorium, which can seat 424 people - much more than the APT's 150-person capacity.
“We decided with the reasonable ticket prices, and the material, we are pulling out the stops and we can sell the seats,” Daddabbo said.
The two organizations joined forces to try to make the community aware of the resources available at CCC and the region's other colleges.
Both Lee and Daddabbo are trying to reach the same audiences in the community, which also encompasses the college community. Daddabbo questioned why there was even a division between the groups.
“I can't tell you how many times I say something about what's happening at the college, and I'm talking to my friends who are interested in this stuff, and they say ‘Oh, I didn't hear about that,” Daddabbo said.
Lee aims to reach those area residents who don't have opportunities to appreciate the arts.
“Notes to the Motherland” is different from the usual choices because it depicts a factual time era and portrays some real experiences to a certain extent. Also, the college hasn't presented a one-man play in recent years, to Lee's knowledge.
“I hope we can get a nice draw from the community to attend it,” he said.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
If you go
What: “Notes to the Motherland”
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1
Where: Bisgrove Community Theater, Cayuga Community College
Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students. Tickets available at the door
For details: Visit www.paulrajeckas.com for a preview.
The Citizens' Say
There are No comments posted.